President Bola Tinubu has ordered security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri after deadly bomb attacks killed 23 people and injured over 100 in Borno State.
Tinubu Deploys Security Chiefs to Maiduguri After Deadly Bomb Attacks
President Bola Tinubu has ordered Nigeria’s top security officials to immediately relocate to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, following a series of deadly bomb explosions that left at least 23 people dead and more than 100 injured.
The directive was announced in an official statement from the State House on Tuesday, just hours after coordinated attacks struck multiple locations across the city.
Multiple Explosions Hit Key Locations in Maiduguri
The explosions, believed to have been carried out by suicide bombers, targeted crowded and strategic areas, including the Maiduguri Monday Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and the Post Office Flyover.
Authorities confirmed that at least 23 people lost their lives, while 108 others sustained various injuries, highlighting the scale and severity of the attacks.
The incident triggered panic across Maiduguri, with residents fleeing affected areas as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
Tinubu Condemns Attack, Expresses Sympathy
Reacting to the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu described the incident as deeply disturbing and extended condolences to victims and their families.
“I mourn those who lost their lives, sympathise with the injured, and stand in solidarity with the people of Borno,” the president stated.
He also characterized the attacks as desperate acts by insurgent groups facing increasing pressure from Nigerian security forces.
Security Chiefs Ordered to Take Charge in Maiduguri
In response to the attacks, Tinubu directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri and oversee operations directly on the ground.
He also instructed emergency agencies to ensure that victims receive immediate and adequate medical attention.
The president revealed that additional military equipment and operational support had recently been approved to strengthen ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
Attack Occurred During Ramadan Iftar
The explosions reportedly occurred around 7:24 pm on Monday, coinciding with iftar—the evening meal during the holy month of Ramadan.
This timing increased civilian exposure, contributing to the high number of casualties.
Eyewitness footage showed chaotic scenes, including damaged vehicles, emergency operations, and victims lying at blast sites.
Emergency Response and Security Reinforcement
Security agencies, including the police, military, and bomb disposal units, were swiftly deployed to secure affected areas and prevent further incidents.
Emergency responders such as the National Emergency Management Agency and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency evacuated injured victims to nearby hospitals.
Authorities later reported that calm had been restored, with heightened security presence and surveillance across Maiduguri.
Renewed Concerns Over Insurgency in Northeast Nigeria
Despite government assurances that insurgents have been largely weakened, the attack has reignited concerns about persistent insecurity in Nigeria’s northeast region.
President Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism.
“There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists can hide. We will find them, confront them, and defeat them completely,” he said.